Second foot op for Motta

FC Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta is aiming to be fit for Spanish title-holders' opening UEFA Champions League matches after undergoing an operation on foot cysts.

Successful procedure
Motta was forced to leave Barça's pre-season training camp in Denmark to have surgery on persistent cysts on his toes, which doctors say went perfectly. "We have removed the cysts without any problem," said a statement from the Aspeyo de Sant Cugat medical clinic.

Champions League kick-off
It is the second time the Brazilian has gone under the knife in 15 days, and he is expected to be out for a month. Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign when the group stage gets under way on the 13/14 September, by which time Motta should be fit. The 22-year-old Brazilian missed nearly all of last season after damaging cruciate knee ligaments in Barcelona's second Primera División match, returning late on to make a further six appearances.